There are many students who enroll in IGNOU MCOM project synopsis and IGNOU, the study of literature can be the most elusive element of the project. This is especially true in the case of an ignou project for mcom, where academic depth is expected but guidance often feels a bit limited. Students frequently ask if they must summarize books, modify journal articles, or simply take notes of quotations. The reality lies somewhere in between, and knowing that different perspectives can impact the quality of the entire project.
A literature review is not written to reveal how much literature you've read. It's written to demonstrate how well you have grasped the works that are currently being done on the topic you're researching and how your idea fits in with it. IGNOU assessment experts are attuned to this chapter as it shows your ability to connect theoretical concepts to research direction.
Understanding the Purpose of Review of Literature
Before you begin writing any article, it is important to understand why this particular chapter is required in an ignou mcom project. Literature review serves three major purposes.
It first shows that the subject you picked has been previously studied and has a scholarly significance. It also helps you recognize gaps or limitations in prior research. Thirdly, it serves as an outline of your research goals and methods.
Many students approach this chapter as a formality, and copy content from previous projects or sources on the internet. This often results in very low marks or projects being rejected. IGNOU demands original writing even when discussing previous studies.
What IGNOU Expects in Literature Review
IGNOU does not expect students to write on the scale of a PhD thesis. In the same way the use of very basic explanations is too much to be avoided. For an ignou mcom project, the review of literature should reflect postgraduate-level understanding.
You are expected to review books, research papers Journals, reports, and even government publications pertaining in your research topic. The concentration should be on the studies which are directly related to the research area you are studying.
For example, if you project is focusing on the financial performance of banks the literature review should examine earlier research related to financial ratios, financial performance, profitability analysis, and risk assessment.
Selecting Relevant Literature Sources
A common mistake made by students is to select too many irrelevant sources. The quality of the information is more important than the quantity. For an ignou mcom project about fifteen to twenty powerful sources are generally enough If they're chosen with care.
Some good sources are academic journals well-known books written by renowned writer, RBI publications, government reports, and university level research papers. Websites with no authorship confirmation should be avoided.
Always prefer recent studies particularly those that have been published in the last 10 years. Other studies from the past may be considered but only if it is foundational in their nature.
Organizing the Review of Literature Chapter
A well-organized and organized chapter enhances reading comprehension and creates a positive impression. Instead of writing random summaries of the work, break down the literature review into clear sections.
You can organize the chapter around themes, a time period, methodology, or variables researched. For example, one section could focus on studies related profitability, while another could focus on liquidity, while another focused on the efficiency of operations.
This structure helps evaluators understand the difference between taking content and copying it, but also analyzing it.
Writing Style for IGNOU Literature Review
The writing style should be scholarly but straightforward. Avoid dense language and excessive language. IGNOU is a firm believer in simplicity over clarity.
Every research you share should include the author name, year of study, objective, methodology, as well as the main findings. However, don't list them in a linear manner. Try to connect one study with the other.
For instance, after discussing one study, you could mention how another author supported or contradicted those findings. This approach of comparing studies adds depth to your ignou MCOM project.
Avoiding Common Writing Mistakes
An error that is often made is to write the literature review in the form of a textbook chapter. In explaining the basics of concepts like definition of accounting or meaning of management does not belong here unless directly linked to studies that have been done previously.
Another mistake is excessive quoting. Your literature review should be written in yourself. The use of paraphrasing indicates understanding, whereas the copying of your review shows dependency.
They also fail to link books to their own research subject. The research you refer to should have a clear connection to your goals for the project.
Links Literature Review with Research Gap
One of the major results of a review of literature is to identify the gap in research. IGNOU examiners expect you identify what earlier researchers didn't know or where more research is required.
After having discussed a myriad of studies you will notice that the majority of research focused on large organizations smaller firms were ignored. The earlier studies also used secondary data, whereas primary data was not as extensive.
This gap becomes the justification for your projects ignou.com. Without this, your project could seem repetitive.
Use of Citations and Referencing
While writing a review for literature A proper citation is necessary. IGNOU generally supports APA style, but the consistency is more important than perfection.
All studies discussed must be included in the list of references at the conclusion of the project. Missing references create doubts about authenticity.
Avoid footnotes when reviewing literature. Citations in text work better and appears cleaner in an ignou mcom project.
Length of Review of Literature Chapter
Students often ask how long the literature review should last. There's no definitive rule however, for an ignou for an mcom project, the length usually ranges between fifteen hundred -two thousand words.
The length should depend on what the topic's difficulty. A broad topic will require more research. A narrowly focused subject requires less but more extensive discussions.
Unnecessarily lengthy reviews with no an analysis won't help marks.
Example of Literature Review Writing Approach
Instead of writing as this
Author A looked into the performance of the banking industry and came to positive results
Write in this manner
This author conducted a research study on bank performance using financial ratios, and concluded that profitability increased by a better management of assets. This result was later confirmed by Author B, who emphasized the importance of the efficiency of operations in enhancing bank earnings.
This approach is based on an understanding and analysis that is what counts in an mcom project.
Maintaining Originality and Academic Integrity
IGNOU is a firm believer in plagiarism. Many projects get delayed or rejected due to plagiarism in literature reviews. Even if you refer to past studies, your language should be unique to your project.
Use plagiarism checking tools if possible. Rewrite content to make it sound natural. A slightly imperfect sentence is better than perfect copied.
Final Review Before Submission
Before submitting your ignou mcom project, read the review of literature carefully. Verify that each research is relevant, whether the flow is rational, and whether it is linked naturally to your research objectives.
Ask yourself one simple question. Does this chapter clarify the need for my study. If yes then this review of literature is definitely on the right path.
Closing Thoughts
Reviewing literature for a ignou mcom project might be difficult at first in particular for students who are returning to university after a gap. If you can realize that it is about analysis and connection rather that memorization, the work becomes easy.
Do your best to read, consider, and write in your own voice. Your effort is evident in your final product and often makes the difference between an average essay and a high-quality one.
